Review: Mumford & Sons – Wilder Mind (Universal Music Canada)

When approaching Wilder Mind, the new record from Mumford & Sons, you had best forget everything you think you know about the band. With their first two albums, the group inadvertently kicked off a folk music revival that gave way to a handful of similar acts, but with Wilder Mind, the group sheds those musical constraints in favour of a full band exploring guitar-driven, melodic rock and pop. Despite the fact the group isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel with these songs, their revamped sound (think Coldplay or The National) suits them well as they deliver a number of stand-out moments including “Only Love,” first single “Believe,” “Ditmas,” and “The Wolf.”